If you work in iGaming affiliates, you've probably noticed something shifting in the U.S. market. Online casinos are no longer testing the waters. They are expanding fast in...
Interview with Nikolay Petrov – Business Development Manager at BetCollabs
AffPapa has spoken with Nikolay Petrov, Business Development Manager at BetCollabs. In this interview, Nikolay shares insights on where the company is heading, the changes shaping iGaming affiliate marketing in the years ahead, and more.
Yeva: In the affiliate market, BetCollabs is becoming more well-known. What does the company’s long-term vision look like, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for expansion?
Our long-term vision at BetCollabs is to establish a strong presence across a diverse range of global markets. This means expanding into mature, highly competitive Tier-1 regions while also tapping into fast-growing emerging markets such as Southeast Asia.
For us, successful expansion is not just about entering new territories quickly — it’s about doing it strategically and responsibly. Every market has unique cultural, regulatory, and user-behavior characteristics, and our approach is to thoroughly research and adapt to these local specifics before launching.
We see the biggest opportunities in regions where digital adoption, mobile usage, and interest in online entertainment are rapidly increasing. By customizing our products and partnerships to fit each market’s needs, we can build long-term, sustainable success and position BetCollabs as a truly global leader.
Yeva: You took on the position of business development manager at BetCollabs just two months ago. What do you focus on to strengthen your position and have impactful outcomes?
Stepping into the role of Business Development Manager, I’m fully aware that meaningful impact doesn’t happen overnight — and certainly not through the efforts of one person alone. My first priority has been to build a strong network of industry contacts, as collaboration and long-term relationships are at the core of successful business development.
At the same time, I focus on staying well-informed about every factor that can influence our business, whether directly or indirectly. In a competitive and ever-evolving industry like ours, information is one of the most valuable resources. Understanding market trends, regulatory changes, partner needs, and emerging opportunities allows me to make informed decisions and contribute strategically to BetCollabs’ growth.
By combining strong relationships with deep market awareness, I can position myself — and the company — for impactful and sustainable success.
Yeva: What specific qualities or strategies would you say really set the company apart from competitors in the iGaming affiliate market?
One of the core strengths that truly sets BetCollabs apart is the team we’ve built. As I mentioned earlier, no successful organisation is built by a single person. We’re proud to have brought together highly skilled professionals in every department — and, importantly, to have created the conditions for them to perform at 110%.
Our strategy is based on giving people genuine freedom to do their best work. We avoid micromanagement and instead focus on trust, ownership, and accountability. At the same time, we maintain a high level of coordination across the organisation, ensuring that all departments operate in sync and move toward the same goals.
This balance – freedom paired with alignment – creates an environment where creativity, speed, and collaboration naturally thrive. It’s a combination that not many competitors manage to achieve, and it’s one of the key reasons why BetCollabs can innovate and grow so effectively in the iGaming industry.
Yeva: What is your personal approach to finding solid, promising affiliates as you develop new connections and build BetCollabs’ network?
Answer: In today’s highly connected world, we’re fortunate to have multiple effective channels for identifying strong and promising affiliates. One of the most valuable resources for us has been platforms like AffPapa, and I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge their essential role in helping us connect with reliable, high-quality partners.
Another key part of my approach is attending industry conferences. These events give us the chance not only to meet new potential affiliates but also to strengthen relationships with our existing partners. Meeting people face-to-face, feeling their energy, and having open conversations about opportunities allows us to quickly understand their vision, professionalism, and long-term potential.
By combining digital networking tools with personal, relationship-focused interactions, we can build a solid and trustworthy affiliate network that aligns perfectly with BetCollabs’ goals.
Yeva: Your RS and CPA terms are frequently mentioned as competitive. How exactly are your partnership models different from other programs, and why would they be more valuable for affiliates?
Our CPA and Revenue Share models stand out because we focus on transparency, fairness, and long-term value for our partners. With CPA deals, we don’t wait for affiliates to request better terms — we proactively offer higher conditions to partners who demonstrate strong performance and quality traffic. This approach shows that we truly value results and are ready to reward them immediately.
When it comes to Revenue Share, we’re proud to offer some of the lowest admin fees in the market, which directly increases the affiliate’s earnings. Additionally, we put a strong emphasis on player management. We actively work to maximize player retention and lifetime value, ensuring that both we and our partners benefit from sustained, stable revenue.
This combination of proactive incentives, low fees, and strong player care makes our partnership models more attractive and ultimately more profitable for affiliates compared to many other programs.
Yeva: Where do you expect the biggest technological or regulatory changes affecting the future of iGaming affiliate marketing?
In my opinion, the markets that will experience the most significant technological and regulatory changes are the Tier-1 countries, particularly across Europe. These regions already operate under strict regulatory frameworks, and we can expect even tighter controls in areas such as responsible gaming, data privacy, advertising standards, and affiliate transparency.
At the same time, technology will continue to play a major role in shaping the future of affiliate marketing. Advancements in AI, tracking, and data analytics will push affiliates and operators to adopt more sophisticated tools to ensure compliance, optimize traffic quality, and maintain high levels of player protection.
Overall, while Tier-1 markets may become more challenging from a regulatory standpoint, they will also drive innovation — creating opportunities for affiliates who are agile, compliant, and technologically prepared.
Yeva: In your opinion, what should operators and affiliates expect to be the biggest trends in iGaming affiliate marketing for 2026 and beyond?
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, I believe several major trends will shape the future of iGaming affiliate marketing. The first is the increasing importance of data-driven strategies. Affiliates will rely more heavily on advanced analytics, AI-driven tools, and deeper segmentation to deliver higher-quality traffic and prove real value to operators. Performance transparency will become a key competitive factor.
Secondly, we’ll see a stronger push toward compliance and responsible marketing. As more mature markets tighten their regulations, affiliates will need to adopt stricter standards around advertising, player protection, and data privacy. Those who can adapt quickly and operate with full transparency will stand out.
Another major trend is the rise of content differentiation. High-quality, interactive content — including streaming, community-driven platforms, and niche-focused media — will become essential. Affiliates who build strong brands and communities will outperform those relying solely on traditional SEO.
Additionally, we can expect growth in emerging markets, particularly regions with increasing mobile access and evolving regulatory frameworks. Affiliates who understand local cultures and adapt their strategies will capture the biggest opportunities.
Finally, partnerships will become more collaborative and long-term. Operators and affiliates will focus on shared goals, player lifetime value, and sustainable expansion rather than purely short-term acquisition.
Overall, the future favors affiliates who are compliant, technologically advanced, creative with their content, and adaptable to global market shifts.
Yeva: For professionals who are also early in business development or leadership roles, what would you suggest them to succeed and build trust within their company and the industry?
My first advice is simple but essential: lead by example. In leadership and business development, people are far more influenced by what you do than by what you say. Your actions set the tone for the entire team.
I also believe it’s important to stay grounded. Protect your role and responsibilities, but remain open to constructive criticism and willing to listen to the perspectives of your colleagues. Trust is built when people feel heard and respected.
Humility is another key factor. No matter how experienced you become, there is always more to learn. Staying informed, continuously improving your skills, and being curious about new developments in the industry will not only strengthen your expertise but also earn the respect of partners and coworkers.
In short: be a role model, stay humble, keep learning, and value the people around you — these qualities build real trust both inside the company and across the industry.
Company: BetCollabs
Interviewee: Nikolay Petrov
Date: 06.01.2026
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